§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the total cost of the conference on incorporation of the further education colleges held at Slieve Donard hotel, Newcastle on 4 and 5 November; how many people were involved; and by whom the cost was borne. [2728]
70W
§ Mr. AncramThe cost of the consultation conference was £12,300 including VAT; 128 delegates from across the sector attended. The cost was borne by the Department of Education.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what work on management information systems will be classified as nugatory if incorporation of further education colleges does not proceed. [2729]
§ Mr. AncramNone.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what expenditure the Department of Education planned to incur on commissioning consultants to advise on the adequacy and implementation of college action plans. [2730]
§ Mr. AncramThe planned expenditure is up to £80,000.
§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what estimate he has made of the additional costs of appointing(a) personnel management, (b) estate management, and (c) financial management and marketing staff as a consequence of the incorporation of further education colleges. [2731]
§ Mr. AncramThe Department is currently in negotiation with the education and library boards to determine the level of resources to colleges on incorporation. This will include provision for these additional staffing costs. It will be for the colleges to determine their management structures.